‘Thailand Mixed’ international golf event tees off from Feb 25
Feb 17. 2021Atthaya Thitikul
By THE NATION
The Bt3-million Thailand Mixed event hosted by TrustGolf will swing underway next week in Hua Hin under strict social distancing and other measures to prevent Covid-19 from spreading further.
The tournament, part of the TrustGolf Tour 2021 and scheduled at the Black Mountain Golf Club from February 25 to 28, is supported by the Sports Authority of Thailand, the National Sports Development Fund, Black Mountain Golf Club, Dusit Thani Hua Hin, Hua Hin Grand Hotel and other sponsors.
Stringent measures outlined by the government’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration will be followed during the inaugural.
Players and their entourages as well as officials are required to abide by protective measures in various areas including transportation and accommodation.
Hua Hin Municipal Health Centre officials will be present throughout the tournament to ensure that all measures are strictly followed.
“Both foreign and Thai players from at-risk areas must provide a travel document in order to be eligible for the competition,” the Cha-am district permanent secretary said.
“As we already have strict protective measures in place, both at the hotel and on the course, there is nothing to worry about. For those travelling from maximum-controlled areas such as Samut Sakon, they will be allowed to enter the tournament only if a travel document is provided that complies with government policies,” the secretary said.
“Prachuap Khiri Khan is delighted to host this tournament, which should help boost local tourism and the economy. We have been working closely with business proprietors to attract tourists to our province,” the secretary added.
The international event will see Thailand’s leading male and female golfers tee off the professional season on February 25.
A strong field of 132 entrants – 66 men and 66 women – will compete for prize money.
Thai-owned Leicester City win EPL’s highest equality award
Feb 17. 2021
By THE NATION
Thai-owned Leicester City FC have been awarded the English Premier League’s highest honour for commitment to equality.
Run by chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, the former EPL champions have achieved the Advanced Level of the Premier League Equality Standard (PLES) – the league’s progressive framework guiding football clubs’ equality, diversity and inclusion.
The PLES panel commended Leicester City for consistent and considered progress since achieving the Intermediate Level in 2016.
“This is a really proud achievement for our football club,” said Susan Whelan, Leicester City chief executive, who congratulated staff for their “tireless” commitment to equality.
“This is also an achievement for our supporters and our communities, whose participation is vital in maintaining an environment that welcomes everyone.”
Bill Bush, Premier League executive director, said: “Through their LCFC Together initiative, the club continues to demonstrate an inclusive ethos across all of their work, both on and off the pitch, and plays an extremely important role as an ally for their supporter groups.
“Their innovative work with Foxes Pride [LGBT supporters group] has demonstrated their commitment to equality and is part of the reason they have achieved this accolade.”
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has signed an agreement with Dorna Sports S.L. to compete in the premier class of Grand Prix motorcycle racing for five more years, from 2022 to 2026
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. are pleased to announce that they have signed a contract with commercial rights holder and series promoter Dorna Sports S.L. to continue their participation in the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship for a further five years, from 2022 to 2026.
The news was officially confirmed by Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Principal & Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director Lin Jarvis during today’s post-‘Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Launch’ media debrief.
Yamaha started its World Grand Prix racing endeavours in 1961, making this season the Japanese manufacturer’s 60th anniversary. Throughout their contest in MotoGP™, Yamaha has secured a total of 511 Grand Prix wins, 38 Rider World Titles, 37 Manufacturer World Titles, and five Triple Crowns.
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and Yamaha Motor Racing Srl take this moment to collectively express their gratitude to Dorna Sports S.L. CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta as well as all Dorna MotoGP™ management and staff for their hard work and unflagging motivation that contribute to making MotoGP™ the pinnacle of motorcycle racing.
Toyoshi Nishida, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.’s Executive Officer: “First and foremost, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Carmelo Ezpeleta and Dorna, as well as all of the Yamaha personnel who made our successful run at the highest level of motorcycle racing possible.
“At Yamaha we take great pride in taking part in Grand Prix motorcycle racing. We are all very pleased that we can confirm the contract renewal for a further five years at the start of an important season for our company.
“Yamaha started competing in World Grand Prix racing in 1961. Sixty years on, Yamaha’s passion for motorcycle racing and eagerness to take on a challenge remains unchanged. MotoGP makes up a large part of Yamaha’s DNA. The premier class’s cutting-edge technology will continue to make their way to Yamaha street bikes, bringing customers’ motorcycle and motorsport fantasies to life on and off-track, giving them the feeling of Kando*.
“At the same time, I think the coming five years of collaborating with Dorna and the other MotoGP manufacturers will be very important for the future. We want to keep the excitement of MotoGP racing while at the same time making it more sustainable and appealing to a wider public.
“We thank all Yamaha fans for their continuous support, and we look forward to bringing them even more exciting and precious memories in the future.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “First of all, I would like to thank Nishida-san and all the members of Yamaha for the long-term collaboration during all these years. At Dorna we are pleased to be a part of the culmination of this partnership by extending our agreement with Yamaha. We are eager to witness this new chapter of the iconic Japanese manufacturer celebrating its 60th anniversary in the racing scene, a factory that has always shown a great commitment with the MotoGP World Championship and whose future will see many other exciting challenges to be enjoyed together in these upcoming years.”
Feb 16. 2021K.H. Lee (Photo credit to Getty Images)
Korea’s K.H. Lee emerged from the shadows of his more illustrious compatriots such as Sungjae Im, Si Woo Kim, Byeong Hun An and Sung Kang following his tied second finish at the Waste Management Phoenix Open two weeks ago.
Lee finished one shot behind winner Brooks Koepka to secure his career best outing on the PGA TOUR. Here are nine things you may not have known about the 29-year-old Lee.
1. Lee took up the game of golf as a 13-year-old to lose weight. He was a robust kid, pushing over 200 pounds. He says he hit 212 pounds as a 16-year-old. He now weighs around 175 pounds.
2. When his first full swing flew 250 yards, he was hooked to golf. “First time make my full swing and I see the ball, it’s a long time hanging in the air, I thought… that’s awesome,” he said. During his youth, Lee was also an accomplished shot put athlete. While not nationally ranked, he was the second best for his age group in his region.
3. Lee loves to sing karaoke – although he says big crowds in front of the microphone make him nervous. He met Psy at a concert in Seoul and fancies himself pretty well at the Korean star’s “Gangnam Style”. If not a professional golfer, he said he would have been a singer.
4. Has a great sense of humour. At the 2018 WinCo Foods Portland Open, he said, “Several goals in my life. First is to become the No. 1 golfer in the world. The second is to become the No. 1 sexiest golfer in the world!”
5. Hired a trainer in June 2019 after being impressed by Brooks Koepka’s physique and power. Interestingly, he finished second behind Koepka at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Prior to that, his best was a T3 at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans with Matt Every, who he invited to play with him at the suggestion of his caddy.
6. He says he literally dreams about winning on the PGA TOUR often. “Almost every night I dream of this,” he said. “It would be amazing.” He regularly spends entire days, sometimes 12-15 hours playing or practicing.
7. Since making his TOUR debut in 2019, Lee has qualified for the FedExCup Playoffs twice. From 70 career starts to date, he has four top-10s, 11 top-25s and has earned over US$2.6 million in prize money.
8. He started a junior golf tournament in Seoul, titled the Lee Kyoung Hoon Junior Golf Tournament. Held every April/May. Lee grew up playing junior golf tournaments in Seoul and wanted to give back to the game.
9. Lee is ranked outside the top-100 in all major statistics this season except Strokes Gained: Around the Green (27th). Outside of the U.S., he won the Korean Open twice in 2015 and 2016 and has two other victories on the Japan Golf Tour. His amateur career highlight was winning the team gold medal at the 2010 Asian Games.
Phoenix golf club CEO Chanya to head Thai Women’s PGA
Feb 13. 2021Chanya Sawangchitr
Phoenix Golf Gold and Country Club Pattaya CEO Chanya Sawangchitr will take the reins as president of the Thai Women’s Professional Golf Association, which has been established to support and promote Thai women’s golf activities and tournaments in the global arena.
Thai WPGA has already registered with the Sports Authority of Thailand, as the registrar of sports associations in Bangkok, and is now authorised to undertake sporting activities.
The main objective of Thai WPGA is to support and develop professional female golfers in Thailand through its tournaments. With world ranking points to be awarded to players competing in the Thai WPGA Tour, more Thais are expected to emerge on the global stage in the near future.
A successful figure in the business world, Chanya as the CEO of Phoenix Golf Gold and Country Club, has organised a host of internationally acclaimed events including the King’s Cup, Queen’s Cup, Royal Cup and Ladies European Tour Thailand Championship.
Apart from her golf business, Chanya also runs P. Overseas Steel Pcl.
The Thai WPGA will hold a press conference to make its official public introduction on February 19 at 98 Wireless Condominium Complex.
Battle of the sexes to open Thailand’s pro golf season
Feb 12. 2021
Thailand’s leading male and female golfers will compete against each other for the first time in a pro tournament later this month.
The Bt3-million Thailand Mixed event hosted by TrustGolf at Hua Hin’s Black Mountain Golf Club will see the kings and queens of domestic golf kick off Thailand’s professional season on February 25-28. A strong field of 132 entrants – 66 men and 66 women – will compete under the same rules for the same prize money.
Prom Meesawat and Prayad Marksaeng are among big-name male players competing, while the women’s challenge will be led by teen sensation and 2020 Thai LPGA No 1 Atthaya Thitikul.
She will be joined by players from the Thai LPGA Tour and TrustGolf team including Nemittra and Nimmita Jantanaket.
Wildcards have been handed to four promising juniors – qualifiers Chutipon Chanyasawad and Thitikarn Thanpasit, and Nutthakorn Laochumpol and Kenika Boonprasert from the TrustGolf Junior Scholarship programme.
The best five women and five men at the qualifying tournament will also join the action at Black Mountain.
The season-opener was originally scheduled at the Chee Chan Golf Resort in Chon Buri on January 28-31 but was cancelled due to the fresh Covid-19 outbreak.
Five things to enjoy from ‘The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition’
Feb 12. 2021
By THE NATION
Singapore-based martial arts organization ONE Championship recently announced that the inaugural season of its upcoming reality television spinoff, “The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition,” is scheduled to air this March, and already, the sports and entertainment spheres are buzzing with excitement.
“The Apprentice” is one of the biggest non-scripted television franchises in history. Fans of the show love it for its intense boardroom scenes, fiery business competitions, and its accurate depiction of the cutthroat world of entrepreneurship.
What sets the ONE Championship version apart from the classic, however, is the addition of physical challenges, where 16 candidates will compete alongside and against some of the biggest names in martial arts. The promotion is touting it as the “toughest” version of “The Apprentice” yet.
Obscured in the cinematic sequences is a plethora of learnings you can pick up, just by watching. Here are five things audiences will get from watching “The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition.”
1) Time is of the essence
“The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition” offers viewers intense reality scenes with high drama, usually forced upon by artificial time constraints. Because everything is stressful when the clock is ticking. Obviously, it’s must-watch television and producers need that drama to escalate with the right crescendo to fully captivate and engage audiences. There is, indeed, a worldly truth to it.
We all work with deadlines in real life, so that aspect is completely relatable. As the candidates race against the clock to accomplish tasks and check off their objectives, we learn that time is really of the essence when it comes to high-stakes business.
It’s the same in real life. For most of us, that just means skipping lunch or losing a couple of hours of sleep. You can’t just move your deadlines because the job is difficult. You just have to get things done at any cost.
2) Real-world competition is cutthroat
The world of business is undoubtedly cutthroat. Anyone who has ever worked in corporate in their lives can surely attest to that fact. People are in constant competition with each other, clawing their way to the top, sometimes at the expense of their colleagues.
Candidates on “The Apprentice” are traditionally bold and outspoken, with very powerful and dominant personalities. Giving way can sometimes be perceived as weakness. With such a diverse mix of temperaments, conflict is almost guaranteed to arise.
In order to be successful and work together, however, you have to possess the ability to diffuse tension. You will need to learn how to resolve conflict professionally and effectively, sometimes in high pressure situations, and before you can move on to complete the job. Otherwise, everything will fall apart at the seams.
“The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition” is much of the same in this regard. The cast of 16 all come from different backgrounds, but are also all vying for a massive $250,000 job offer to work as ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong’s protege in Singapore.
3) The small things matter
“The Apprentice” puts candidates in very tough situations, faced with seemingly impossible problems. It takes a great amount of intelligence, willpower, and business savvy as it is to complete the tasks, let alone win the challenges.
When a particular challenge goes sideways, however, you will often find candidates on the show distracted by trivial tasks, such as who gets to scribble on the whiteboard, or moving chairs around at a meeting, for example. Things that appear to not really matter too much in the grand scheme of things.
While it’s definitely important to take a few steps back and readjust your focus on the bigger picture, “The Apprentice” teaches us that small things do have weight. Some tasks, though appearing to be small and insignificant, are actually needed in order to ensure the job runs smoothly.
As they say, the devil is in the details.
4) Take responsibility for your own failures
Responsibility is a very big word, and it’s a word that a lot of people either avoid or shy away from. “The Apprentice” has seen a myriad of its candidates throughout the show’s history try to weasel their way out of a sticky situation by blaming their colleagues or external factors for their mistakes. It’s definitely entertaining to watch them jockey around, pointing fingers and throwing each other under the bus. But that’s not the way it works in the real world.
In the real world, you have to be responsible for your failures just as much as you celebrate your wins.
In fact, fans will find out quickly enough that one of the most important mantras ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong has often reiterated in his career is that failure is one of the greatest teachers in life. You have to take responsibility for your own failures, because that’s what it means to be a professional.
5) Communication is king
Last but not least, “The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition” stresses the importance of communication. Oftentimes, when teams fail a challenge, it’s because there was a breakdown in communication. Poor communication leads to a host of problems.
How many times have we been in situations where heads clash and people argue at a difference of opinion? This happens so many times because most individuals, especially on this show, feel their opinion or input is the most important, hence their voice needs to be the loudest. Of course, that won’t sit well with everyone, and it eventually causes friction.
In the real world, successful teams are ones who communicate well with each other. Great companies encourage people to collaborate and work together, and this involves effective communication with colleagues.
Dorna, IRTA and MotoGP class Independent Teams extend partnership for a further five years
Feb 12. 2021
A new agreement secures the future of the vital relationship between Dorna Sports, IRTA and MotoGP™ class Independent Teams for at least another five years
Dorna Sports announced the signing of a new five-year agreement with IRTA and MotoGP™ class Independent Teams, running from 2022 to 2026. IRTA, the International Road-Racing Teams Association, was formed in 1986 and gives Grand Prix teams a voice in the decision-making process, ensuring their interests are represented and protected.
Since Dorna Sports became the commercial rights holder of the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship in 1992, IRTA has been a vital part of the ever-increasing success of MotoGP™ over nearly 30 years of the FIM, IRTA, the MSMA and Dorna racing together. This is the seventh agreement signed between IRTA and Dorna, as both parties work together to increase sporting and financial support with the aim of levelling the playing field.
The growing success of Independent Teams is a cornerstone of the record-breaking levels of competition enjoyed by the sport in the modern era. There were an incredible nine different winners in 2020 and the parity on the grid is at historic levels, with Independent Teams now in regular contention for podium finishes and victories. This will be the second five-year agreement signed between IRTA and the Independent Teams.
IRTA has been a key part of increasing the level of competition in the Championship, in terms of both parity in manufacturer performance and the competitiveness of Independent Teams. In 2020 alone, five factories took premier class podiums and an incredible nine teams finished a race on the rostrum, of which four were Independent Teams. Two Independent Teams took outright victory, between them taking an impressive eight of the 14 premier class victories on offer in 2020. Seven different countries were represented across the winners, podium finishers and pole positions last season, and a little history was made with first time premier class wins for Portugal and South Africa.
IRTA has been vital to that success, and the association is also essential to the continued success of the Moto2™ and Moto3™ classes, which are intrinsic parts of the MotoGP™ World Championship as competitions in their own right and as a pathway to the premier class. Although the agreements with the teams in the intermediate and lightweight classes are renewed annually, this five-year extension strengthens the future of Moto2™ and Moto3™ as well as increasing financial support for both.
The role of IRTA also extends to logistics and organisation, ensuring the paddock is the safest, cleanest and most efficient space for all those who work within it. This new agreement between IRTA, the Independent Teams and Dorna will ensure that this multi-faceted collaboration continues to grow for at least another five years as all parties work towards creating the best MotoGP™ World Championship possible.
Hervé Poncharal, President of IRTA: “The 2021 MotoGP racing season hasn’t started yet, but we have already great news to announce to the world; Dorna, IRTA and the MotoGP class Independent Teams have already decided to extend their partnership for another five years from 2022 to 2026. This is the best news we could have.
“The times are not easy at the moment, therefore having security, having visibility and to be able to carry on working with the same partner is always a big bonus. To have a promoter like Dorna on our side, managed by Mr. Carmelo Ezpeleta, is like a dream for all of us. The relationship since 1992, when we started to work together, has been excellent and has improved every single year. Any question or request arising from the teams or the riders is always taken into great consideration from Dorna. The safety, the racing, the technical side and the show has always been improving and I’m convinced that 2020 was an unbelievable year, where we saw nine different winners and a thrilling battle in each round. This is down to the hard work done by Dorna, IRTA, the manufacturers and the teams.
“I would like to thank Mr. Carmelo Ezpeleta and the whole Dorna organisation for being on our side and letting us dream for another five years. For sure, we will step up and improve again in order to try to have the best possible show.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “We could not be happier to announce another five-year agreement with IRTA and the Independent Teams. I am proud of what we have achieved so far and I look forward to continuing our collaboration.
“One of the first things we did when we began in MotoGP was to start working closely with IRTA, and the historic levels of competition and interest in the sport are an achievement we are proud to share. It gives me great pleasure to watch our Independent Teams going from strength to strength and I very much look forward to at least another five years working together, pushing MotoGP to new heights once again. I also want to extend my personal thank you to both Mike Trimby and Hervé Poncharal, their input into the Championship and the sport is invaluable and the relationship could not be better.”
PFL announces heavyweight and women’s lightweight for May 6 broadcast
Feb 10. 2021
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) announced its heavyweight and women’s lightweight rosters for the 2021 Regular Season, with Ali Isaev (heavyweight) and Kayla Harrison (women’s lightweight) both kicking off their campaigns to repeat as PFL champions on May 6.
Isaev’s miraculous comeback in the semifinals against Denis Goltsov propelled him to gold in 2019. While Goltsov returns for another crack at the PFL strap, he will also have to contend with one of the greatest heavyweights to ever compete in MMA. Former UFC champion Fabricio Werdum will be the big favorite heading into the 2021 season, but he is far from the only challenger in the division. Mohammed Usman, brother of UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, has his sights set on adding to the family’s legacy in the sport of MMA.
They will be joined by highly-ranked Justin Willis, Ante Delija, 6-foot-8 giant Renan Ferreira, Hatef Moeil, Bruno Cappelozza and U.S. Army combative instructor Brandon Sayles. Harrison will once again be the marquee name in the women’s lightweight division, but joining her and 2019 runner-up Larissa Pacheco will be an upgraded cast looking to give the two-time Olympian a run for this year’s PFL title. Highly-regarded Belgian judoka Cindy Dandois, returning striking expert Genah Fabian and undefeated Laura Sanchez are a few of the athletes poised to test Harrison as she continues her ascension to the peak of the MMA world.
Newcomers Mariana Morais, who earned her spot via the 2020 Brazilian International Qualifier Series, Olena Kolesnyk and Julija Pajic complete the division’s roster.“Our fighters continue to showcase their smarts, grit and bold personalities as we get closer and closer to the season, and we are excited to support them in their journeys with the PFL,” said PFL CEO, Peter Murray. “Each fighter has his or her own unique journey and we are confident the PFL will provide them and our fans with ample opportunity for exciting matchups making it a great season.”
“Everyone loves to see the big boys go out and sling the heavy leather,” said PFL President of Fighter Operations, Ray Sefo. “As a former heavyweight I’m no different. I’m also very excited to see our women’s division kick off their season. We’ve brought in the best talent in the world to challenge Kayla and Larissa and it will be an even more challenging season for these very talented athletes.”
The 2021 Heavyweight (265 lbs.) roster includes:
Bruno Cappelozza
Ante Delija
Renan Ferreira
Denis Goltsov
Ali Isaev
Hatef Moeil
Brandon Sayles
Mohammed Usman
Justin Willis
Fabricio Werdum
The 2021 Women’s Lightweight (155 lbs.) roster includes:
Cindy Dandois
Genah Fabian
Kayla Harrison
Olena Kolesnyk
Mariana Morais
Larissa Pacheco
Julija Pajic
Laura Sanchez
The 2021 PFL Season will begin April 23 on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ in primetime. The remaining Regular Season events will take place on April 29, May 6, June 10, June 17, and June 25.
Cognizant joins Citi and Rolex as third Global Partner of the Presidents Cup through 2026
Feb 10. 2021
The PGA TOUR announced that Cognizant, a leading professional services company, has been named the third Global Partner of the Presidents Cup, joining Citi and Rolex.
The partnership is through the 2026 playing of the event. In addition, Cognizant announced a partnership with the LPGA Tour as title sponsor of the Founders Cup.
By partnering with the Presidents Cup and LPGA Tour, Cognizant will add support for both men’s and women’s golf while increasing its global awareness as the leading technology services partner for its clients. Cognizant will also receive several benefits tied to each tour, including hosting unique client experiences – providing the company with new opportunities to engage with existing and prospective customers.
“As momentum for the 2022 Presidents Cup – one of the premier events on the golf’s global calendar – continues to build, we are thrilled to welcome Cognizant to the family as our third Global Partner,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “Today’s announcements with Cognizant regarding the Presidents Cup and the LPGA are overwhelmingly positive signs for future growth of our sport through these impactful partnerships.”
Cognizant’s partnership with the Presidents Cup covers the next three biennial matches, through 2026. The next edition of the Presidents Cup will be held at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C., on September 19-25, 2022. The 2024 event will return to The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, and Medinah Country Club in Chicago will host the 2026 Presidents Cup.
“In our effort to increase the stature of the Cognizant brand and demonstrate our company as the preeminent technology services partner to clients globally, there is significant value in engaging directly with current and prospective clients at the C-Suite level,” said Brian Humphries, CEO of Cognizant (on new partnerships). “Golf is the premier sport for these business decision-makers, and partnering with the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour provides us with the most distinguished golf platform to create a compelling experience for clients.”
The Founders Cup has become one of the most well attended and celebrated events on the LPGA Tour calendar, paying homage to its rich history and the 13 women – known as the Founders – who created the LPGA Tour over 70 years ago. By signing on as title sponsor of this tournament, Cognizant’s mission is to help the event do more than just commemorate the past, but also showcase the female players of today and their efforts to build a stronger platform for the next generation of golfers. With this goal in mind, the Cognizant Founders Cup will offer a $3 million purse, making it the largest of any LPGA Tour event outside of the majors and the CME Group Tour Championship.
“The Founders Cup began in 2011 as a celebration of our 13 Founders and their visionary dedication to building a better future for the next generation of female golfers,” said Michael Whan, LPGA TOUR Commissioner. “I have to admit that this event is personal, as making sure we never forget the grit, commitment and passion of our Founders has always been critically important to me. I’m so honored and proud to see Cognizant embrace this event and all that it means to young women worldwide. With their involvement, this event will be one of the very best on Tour!”
The multiyear agreement with the LPGA Tour will make Cognizant title sponsor of the Founders Cup beginning in 2021, scheduled to take place October 7-10 at Mountain Ridge Country Club in West Caldwell, N.J. The Donald Ross-designed course has a rich history of women’s golf and credits one-third of all rounds played at the course to female golfers, which is important to Cognizant’s commitment to inclusion and aim to elevate the game of golf for all individuals.
The PGA TOUR announced today that Cognizant, a leading professional services company, has been named the third Global Partner of the Presidents Cup, joining Citi and Rolex. The partnership is through the 2026 playing of the event. In addition, Cognizant announced a partnership with the LPGA Tour as title sponsor of the Founders Cup.
By partnering with the Presidents Cup and LPGA Tour, Cognizant will add support for both men’s and women’s golf while increasing its global awareness as the leading technology services partner for its clients. Cognizant will also receive several benefits tied to each tour, including hosting unique client experiences – providing the company with new opportunities to engage with existing and prospective customers.
“As momentum for the 2022 Presidents Cup – one of the premier events on the golf’s global calendar – continues to build, we are thrilled to welcome Cognizant to the family as our third Global Partner,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “Today’s announcements with Cognizant regarding the Presidents Cup and the LPGA are overwhelmingly positive signs for future growth of our sport through these impactful partnerships.”
Cognizant’s partnership with the Presidents Cup covers the next three biennial matches, through 2026. The next edition of the Presidents Cup will be held at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C., on September 19-25, 2022. The 2024 event will return to The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, and Medinah Country Club in Chicago will host the 2026 Presidents Cup.
“In our effort to increase the stature of the Cognizant brand and demonstrate our company as the preeminent technology services partner to clients globally, there is significant value in engaging directly with current and prospective clients at the C-Suite level,” said Brian Humphries, CEO of Cognizant (on new partnerships). “Golf is the premier sport for these business decision-makers, and partnering with the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour provides us with the most distinguished golf platform to create a compelling experience for clients.”
The Founders Cup has become one of the most well attended and celebrated events on the LPGA Tour calendar, paying homage to its rich history and the 13 women – known as the Founders – who created the LPGA Tour over 70 years ago. By signing on as title sponsor of this tournament, Cognizant’s mission is to help the event do more than just commemorate the past, but also showcase the female players of today and their efforts to build a stronger platform for the next generation of golfers. With this goal in mind, the Cognizant Founders Cup will offer a $3 million purse, making it the largest of any LPGA Tour event outside of the majors and the CME Group Tour Championship.
“The Founders Cup began in 2011 as a celebration of our 13 Founders and their visionary dedication to building a better future for the next generation of female golfers,” said Michael Whan, LPGA TOUR Commissioner. “I have to admit that this event is personal, as making sure we never forget the grit, commitment and passion of our Founders has always been critically important to me. I’m so honored and proud to see Cognizant embrace this event and all that it means to young women worldwide. With their involvement, this event will be one of the very best on Tour!”
The multiyear agreement with the LPGA Tour will make Cognizant title sponsor of the Founders Cup beginning in 2021, scheduled to take place October 7-10 at Mountain Ridge Country Club in West Caldwell, N.J. The Donald Ross-designed course has a rich history of women’s golf and credits one-third of all rounds played at the course to female golfers, which is important to Cognizant’s commitment to inclusion and aim to elevate the game of golf for all individuals.
Atthaya Thitikul
K.H. Lee (Photo credit to Getty Images)
Chanya Sawangchitr
SootinClaimon.Com 